Great Gatsby: Great Books Explained

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Please don’t forget to ‘like’ and leave a comment (however short), as it REALLY helps promote the channel and means I can produce more content. If you don’t know, my other channel, Great ART Explained can be found here - kzbin.info/door/ePDFpCr78_qmVtpoB1Axaw - thanks so much for your amazing support - James

[@stephaniehendricks3537]

Just wondering, are you going to do to kill a mockingbird by harper lee. In my opinion that is one of the best books of the 20th century.

[@neoshoprof]

Ok

[@big-smoovproductions5183]

I’m glad I discovered this channel in it’s infancy.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

I’m glad you did too!

[@luckyvanced7232]

​@@greatbooksexplained371 Bro your content's rock! Keep up the the good job 👍

[@rey.6334]

there is also a channel called Great Art Explained!

[@lawjef]

A) why? How does discovering a YT channel early in its development make your life any better? B) no one reads books anymore, this channel is never going to get millions of subs

[@jonraymond]

The first few sentences of this novel are so beautiful. This is one of those rare occurrences of a novel being extremely famous but deserving of it.

[@bobfabiszak16]

When I read Gatsby as a high school student (in 1973!) we were told that Daisy’s green light represented hope and renewal. Maybe so, but there is a phrase “green with envy” that I think applies here. Gatsby will NEVER be truly part of the Buchanans’ world. That is what eats at him. He wants Daisy, but he also wants acceptance into that world-that East Egg, old money world-and he will never get it. The message of the book ultimately is “know your place and stay there.” That’s probably not what Fitzgerald intended, but it unfortunately is what Fitzgerald lived and what Gatsby suffered.

[@svatantra00]

@@bobfabiszak16 Oh that's interesting, I was told it was meant the "American Dream + Wanting Diasy" when I read it in my class

[@matheus5230]

There are plenty of amazing novels that have slow intros and are slow burns in general.

[@manicmuffin]

I love how you discuss not only the book but also the historical context!

[@nullings.]

One of the very few books I was forced to read for university that I actually enjoyed! Also, you once more picked a very talented person to read the quotes!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks 🙏that’s the talented Jon L Peacock

[@chevgr]

Agree

[@nl3064]

Weird how it took you until university (unless, I guess, if you're not in the US). Everyone in the US reads it in high school.

[@nullings.]

@@nl3064 I'm from Vienna, Austria 😂 Here, it's very common to read Faust (by Goethe) and other works written in German before you enter university. The works we read in (our) English (lessons) were usually far more modern ("Slam", "Two Caravans", "The Death of a Superhero", "The Kiterunner",...). I think the oldest books we read were "The Giver" and "The Perks of Being a Wallflower". I also got to read "Eveline" by Joyce, but that was in an extra lesson, so I wouldn't count it.

[@LindaStoronsky-yk4df]

The narrator was imitating Robert Redford from his movie portrayal.

[@iggyzorro2406]

I have read everything I could find by Fitzgerald. I've never read any other author whose words were so brilliantly chosen.

[@cpietanza2451]

History has never interested me, until now. Well done, loved it❤

[@jeffsmith1798]

Same here. Read everything I could find of Fitzgerald. He is a writer’s writer. His writing is so beautiful. Hemingway, Twain, Faulkner, Steinbeck…all know how to spin a yarn, but Fitzgerald crafts such entrancingly beautiful prose.

[@Amanita._.Verosa._.]

How do you all have the stamina? I don't know if I have ADHD or something but I freeze up when I try to read.

[@monk4270]

@@Amanita._.Verosa._.the more you read the easier it will get. Just 5 pages per day before bed will make it a habit you’ll build on, while also making it easier to fall asleep

[@amandafox2317]

You are missing out of one of life's great pleasures!

[@Xmanz-ud7ff]

One fascinating thing about Fitzgerald’s novels is that so much of their content is drawn directly from his own experiences in Jazz Age society. His artistic talent as a writer is so emblematic of the flourishes of that era. Many of his short stories are fascinating as well although not as semi-autobiographical as his novels. It’s sad he didn’t live longer.

[@petersonlafollette3521]

“I could always live in my art, but never in my life.”

[@0o0ification]

I absolutely loved the "currency" comparison of Gatsby and Tom. Thanx for posting this one -- I found this novel to be as accessible as Hemmingway, but much more thought inspiring and emotionally disruptive. I still remember learning that popular opinion drove this book into modern classic status, disregarding that initial criticism of the _literati_ , proving that disruption of the establishment was maybe not so out of reach after all, once all those Gatsby-types were working together.

[@user-ps9he4ql9h]

Hi James! This must be my week for both your channels. On great art explained, you posted Apollo and Daphne (which I requested lol) and now one of my favorite books ever. I never knew the story in some ways mirrored Fitzgerald’s life. Thanks again for another interesting and well researched video!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Keep the suggestions coming!

[@alanaadams7440]

That's why they tell the authors "Write what you know" most books are versions of the authors life

[@uh_ke]

2:13 3:04 3:10 4:21

[@uh_ke]

4:28

[@sterlist]

This was beautifully edited and written, and the narration was top notch. Thank you so much for this, I guess its time for a re-read

[@eduardodiaz2649]

I first read it in high school. Since I have read it every decade. I’m 66 now. And my feelings change as I have aged and experience life…and find new meaning in it. A beautiful book that still holds my attention…

[@desplatt842]

Like your comment. I would say a brilliant book with some beautiful passages. I’m actually same age as you and read it in my naive late 20s and just read it again several times over. I doubt if I will return to it every decade ( if I have any left) as I can hardly find a positive human characteristic. I am a real cynic about humanity but I believe there is always somebody with some humanity in most circles but can find little here ; vacuous, materialistic, selfish unspiritual people with zero integrity . Much like front bench politicians on both sides today.

[@eduardodiaz2649]

@@desplatt842 , don’t necessarily disagree but that being said, as readers we bring our own experiences to novels, therefore the passages touch us differently. Then again, good art does that…making the books more our own once read, and a personal experience, more so than movies, if I might add. Books are in our heads and read in solitude and two have the same imagination or experiences. For me, this was also the first noir book written. Daisy is the femme fatale, of course, causing Gatsby’s demise. Love movies, adore books… Enjoyed the exchange. As a writer, what I write, whatever intention I had or wanted to convey is no longer mine once read, it belongs to the reader. They take ownership, regardless.

[@desplatt842]

@@eduardodiaz2649 Yes, I’ve enjoyed your comments too. This time I’ve been reading it in a Classic Literature class so have had the benefit of talking about it with the group and then rereading the bits we have already read several times before next class .There isn’t a wasted word so it is easy to miss stuff.

[@Ataenkosi]

I'd love a series that explores so much of Gatsby, more than a movie. It is such a wonderfully written story. I rank it as high as Great Expectations, if not more.

[@michaeld1889]

I have to say that Chapter 3, in my opinion, is perhaps the greatest chapter in all of modern literature.

[@tmathy9267]

Chapter 3 is a damn good one, that's for sure.

[@izayus11]

@@michaeld1889 that is actually pretty fair. My disdain for the book should not be extended to those who enjoy it. I will delete my previous comments.

[@Romalvx]

You perfectly explained this novel, everlasting symbol, living monument of the American culture; your comment is like a perfect bookmark in my reading memories. Thank you so much!

[@g.s.3450]

Extraordinarily well done video in all aspects. The visuals, narratives, literary analyses and overall presentation were superb! I was glad you stressed how poetic Fitzgerald’s work is, the books he actually read, and that he was a real wordsmith. Thank you from Portugal.

[@maryroberts9315]

Great video! I never noticed the many references to time, except for the great final line of the novel. Nick is a perfect narrator, because he was a part of the scene, but is telling the story years later, when his opinions of the participants and events has changed and matured. As he tells the story, he already knows what happened and the novel is infused with nostalgia and melancholy.

[@tube_fish]

I read this book a while ago but didn't understand it that well. Thanks so much for the straightforward explanation. Keep up the good work :)

[@greatbooksexplained371]

You're very welcome!

[@whyamilikethis1998]

We had to do Steinbeck in school instead of this book, so I'm looking forward to learning more about it 😊

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@nl3064]

Literally every American reads it in h.s., along with Steinbeck. What weird school did you go to where it was either or?

[@whyamilikethis1998]

@@nl3064 I'm in Northern Ireland, so we had to do some UK material as well (in our case, An Inspector Calls by J B Priestley- fantastic play)

[@TunaFreeDolphinMeat]

Yes, I did Steinbeck too ( along with numerous Classics). But have read Fitz books since

[@Stettafire]

We did Steinbeck too (though I'm not American we were Welsh). We did "Of Mice and Men", "Holes", "Heroes", "Romeo and Juliet", "An Inspector Calls" and "MacBeth". I do believe the final paper was "Of Mice and Men" though.

[@dominicmckeown7]

Great video James. The arial shot at 12:26 is of the University of Missouri where I go to school. I've watched many of your videos on the art channel in those buildings!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

That’s so cool!

[@justahappylittleflower]

I enjoy both your channels. I discovered Great Art Explained this summer, and I was instantly hooked! I always learn something from your videos.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@lucus1340]

I read this book recently for a school assignment, and although I enjoyed it, I felt as if I hadn't quite grasped the meaning behind it very well. This video helped me give some context, and taught me about the american history of the jazz age. Thank you very much for such an informative video

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

Love this! You bring to light all the layers of the book I missed when reading it a few years ago. You must lead a very intellectual life.

[@alainawilson918]

The book that made me fall in love with literature. Great video as always

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks 🙏

[@elsyfabiolagochezguzman8433]

I've been such a big fan of your other channel for years now, and when I realized you had made another one just for literature (which is my biggest passion) I was ecstatic. Thanks so much, and please never stop

[@alexliberti9679]

loved the video. When I was in high school, we watched both great Gatsby movies. both are pretty good. the one with Dicaprio really shows the how extreme the roaring 20's were. While the one in the 70's shows the book as it is

[@greatbooksexplained371]

I agree ☝️

[@RFL1976]

Thanks for another great episode James, something i noticed was the outro "By James Payne and Daniel Cobb", I'm guessing Daniel helps you put together these fantastic YT videos so big thanks to him as well for their efforts. I am not a big reader, in fact it has been many years since i read a full book but loved learning about this cultural history in way that is passionate and not over my head as well as being very beautiful visually)

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Yes Daniel is the scripts co-writer! Thanks 🙏

[@samanthaheller3474]

I love both of your channels. I find myself really wishing there were more videos, I love literature. Of course I understand this channel is fairly new and not the only one you are running, so a feverish desire for new material is probably one of the best compliments I can give you. Keep up the amazing work

[@greatbooksexplained371]

New one out now!!

[@kayque1992]

This channel is pure gold.

[@jennymarshall8334]

I remember reading this in my Literature class in high school. Was one of the only assigned readings everyone was EXCITED to read. We’d all seen the movie but never knew the intense intricate meanings behind such color and choice of words. No one missed a chapter of assigned weekly reading, everyone was ready to write their take at the end of the unit essay.

[@luizfloripa222]

I have barely started to watch the video... And I am already here to give a 'like', and leave a 'comment'. Just to support your channel.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

I appreciate that

[@luizfloripa222]

@@greatbooksexplained371 Greetings from an island in southern Brazil...

[@JesusAnyNameWillDo]

One of my all time favourite books and you did it justice once again 👏 loved your analysis of the poetry and time imagery. I always come away from your videos with a fresh take on things to explore further. Keep up the good work 👍🏻

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chevgr]

Loved this film. One of your best. Really loved the narration too the actor has a great voice. Great script by Daniel Cobb too congratulations

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks 🙏

[@nickfromidaho]

I didn’t think your videos could get any better than the art videos but here we are! Such great content! Thank you for your work ❤

[@gallerina999]

The way you approached this book thematically was very moving for me.

[@kritikumari6689]

Its so good to watch your well-crafted videos. I keep waiting for more content on your channels. All the best to you :)

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you so much!

[@BabyBoomerChannel]

Great job. I was always confused by the Smokey ash piles they pass, driving from West Egg to (and back from) Manhattan. Then I found out that Flushing Meadow park (in Queens) was once a dump - where ashes were dumped during a the Gatsby era. They would have driven right past it.

[@DanielCobb86]

We had some of that in the draft, but cut it for time. So interesting!

[@lindenpeters2601]

​@@DanielCobb86 Feel free to post some uncut videos, I will seriously sit and watch it on my TV. I love documentaries, and I know I'm not alone in saying that!

[@brianxjoseph]

One of the most talented creators on this platform. the depth and nuance you put into these videos never ceases to amaze me.

[@Solidarity1024]

This channel had a great impact on me and introduced me to literature. Thank you so much. These videos help me appreciate and enjoy the works.

[@wastingtme]

Your channels are my favorite things on the internet. Bravo

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Wow, thank you!🙏

[@litalpeled2055]

I see a new video of yours and I immigrated click. Love both your channels as they are so informative and well executed. Cheers from Israel 🇮🇱

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks 🙏

[@XandateOfHeaven]

Excellent video, its always good to be able to tie in the story of the author's life with the novel. There's a running joke that everything in the required readings of American high school english classes is an allegory for the American Dream.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

I like that!

[@eliza4817]

Hooray hooray! Another video! I love watching your channels at the gym. Time flies on the treadmill!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Enjoy - and don’t fall off the treadmill!

[@BeatlesNinja]

I remember reading this in 10th grade and enjoying the idea of "no word was wasted." I came up with a lot of interpretations, but they all got shot down by the student teacher who led that unit as her final project. I'd like to go back now and reread the story as an adult who understands a bit more about how the world works.

[@maggfat]

Your videos are masterpieces in themselves. I rewatch and rewatch and always enjoy!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you like them!

[@ConorHealy]

Thank you ! Both of your you tube channels contain so so much for me to ponder on and time spent on them is never time wasted.

[@spritelink]

This is a terrific series. I hope there are more episodes to come!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

New one this Friday!

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

It's almost 12am here in india but whenever James posts, I'll watch the video

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks 🙏

[@bookoffholicbookwart5945]

@@greatbooksexplained371 always

[@thaisgregorio2734]

Wow, I always learn so much from your videos (both here and on the art channel). May I suggest an analysis on "Peter Pan"? I love that book and feel that there are so many hidden symbolisms in it...

[@bobdal1946]

What a great review. I really appreciate the analysis and explanation of the symbols.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MatthewDLDavidson]

Outstanding documentary with exceptional insights. Please create more of them! 😊

[@SpaceTimeTurtle]

What an amazing coincidence, I just finished reading Gatsby several days ago. It was such a luscious joy to read. Every chapter dripping with beautiful imagery and hard truths. I read it slowly over several weeks, as each chapter felt like drinking brandy with my eyes. Truly a sensory and hearty classic for the ages, jazz or otherwise. :):)

[@sylvain_st_pierre_2019]

Had to wait a full day before i had time to listen and watch this amazing short documentary. Thank you GBE.

[@Alexis_-_]

These book videos are turning out fantastic as well. Gatsby is a poetic masterpiece and you did it justice with this. A lot of insight and well chosen passages. Thanks again. "Cape Cod Afternoon" by Hopper is one of my favorite paintings. You have the best taste.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you so much!

[@edward2175]

A real treat this drizzly, dark, Tuesday morning. Super deluxe graphics and your clear engaged narrative. So glad I am poor..

[@jeffrooturantula2081]

This channel is awesome. Getting into literature after hating reading my whole life. Very excited to see what books you will cover next

[@shoegal]

One of my favorite books of all time

[@heatherrobertson6110]

Another wonderful video, James, thank you. And yet another book to put on my re-read pile - it is getting perilously tall now!

[@Chimp_No_1]

Incredibly important channel ! Thank you for your work !

[@ThunderHill3427]

HATED this book when I read it back in high school. Decided to re-visit it after watching this video- having been offered a new perspective on the novel. Now that I understand it better, I’ve enjoyed reading it immensely the second time around. Thank you for helping to broaden the lens through which I’ve previously looked.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for sharing!

[@muborakrustamova9753]

This is one of the best reviews of the Great Gatsby that i have ever watched, thank you!

[@enchant_res]

I sat there stunned❤ ..... For a good 10 minutes this beautiful narration ran my head❤

[@jennaedwards3213]

I am so appreciative of this channel! Thank you!

[@maryanneelliott97]

Appreciate your insights. The classics are classics for a reason and your interpretations add to these brilliant works. Thank you.

[@marylogue31]

I love your videos! I would really love to see an analysis of a book like Wuthering heights or Anna Karenina

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Great suggestions!

[@barbarak2836]

"Jane Eyre" is another great book.

[@paulmonahawk4921]

A few pages in to this book and is is difficult not to admit you are in the presence of genius!

[@writewatson]

I have been looking forward and dreading this release. Very well done. I still hate this book, but you did a great job putting it in a light I can appreciate.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

You hate the book!! I hope you give it another chance - thanks 🙏

[@writewatson]

​@@greatbooksexplained371 Sadly yes. Please dont hate me for it. The author in me understands what he was doing, and I come back to it frequently, like re-tasting something I historically haven't enjoyed, but... I just can't enjoy it, even on an artistic level.

[@martinelanglois3158]

You put a lot of work into this and it shows. Great art and music through out. Thank for doing these. Superb!❤ 👏👏👏

[@MalloryNewcomb]

As someone who graduated college with an English Minor… I enjoy this getting into my recommendeds immensely

[@joaovictorsalesgomes1614]

What an outstanding video! You managed to make this classic interesting as it can be, almost as if getting us to buy the book, haha. Thank you for such great content and keep up the good work

[@kjcs_1896]

Been waiting for this! Thank you!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@puddinggeek4623]

Excellent video as always. I knew nothing about The Great Gatsby before this video, very interesting to watch and learn. Keep up the great work.

[@matanyaholmes3964]

For me the moral of the story is don't let someone you love who dosent really love you back run you to the ground. Thanks for the video as always. I'm sure the book isn't so far fetched from the reality of the authors personal love life.

[@franciscobello1519]

Always love the layers in your work... Johns, Gershwin, even Baz!

[@angelfch]

The CC Spanish translation is superb!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Excellent!

[@almar231]

¡Muchas gracias!

[@Michelle58546]

New to the channel, it was wonderfully explained not only the book its self but the history behind it . The Great Gatsby is one of my favorite stories I really enjoyed this analysis of it ❤😊

[@jeffsmith1798]

You can learn a lot about The Great Gatsby through Fitzgerald’s short stories. Of the Gatsby cluster of short stories, Winter Dreams is my favorite. It’s like Fitzgerald testing the waters so to speak of his Gatsby novel masterpiece.

[@AnyPerson-my8pe]

Thank you for supplying this great, free video and content!

[@tulde12]

Concise, yet thorough explanation against the background of a superb narration. 👏

[@lilpixie25]

Incredible video, gets to the point of Fitzgerald's disillusion which I believe we all experience one way or another as we grow up and face reality. In some places people come to this realization a little earlier, and in others places, a little later in life. No matter where, though, the transition between childhood's stupor in fantasy must confront and ackowleedge that dreams belong in a place separate from reality.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Great comment - thanks 🙏

[@cpietanza2451]

History has never interested me, until now. Well done!

[@jeff__w]

Being a philistine of sorts, I knew nothing of _The Great Gatsby_ (except that Tom and Daisy were “careless people” who “let other people clean up the mess they had made” after they “smashed up things and creatures”) so I loved this video! The writing (yours, not Fitzgerald’s) is so precise and evocative but somehow I liked the use of Tamara de Lempicka’s Art Deco portraits most of all-they fit perfectly, which probably should be no surprise since your day job is explaining Great Art. 3:19 “A heartbroken Fitzgerald was asked to leave Princeton in his junior year of college and he joined the army in the hope of becoming a hero.” That sentence, with its phrase “asked to leave Princeton,” was intriguing. Why? Fitzgerald wasn’t just an indifferent student at Princeton, he was, according to the official Princeton archives, “one of the worst students in his class,” getting mostly 4s and 5s (the equivalent of Cs and Ds in terms of the later grading system in the US) and never getting higher than a B+ in his English classes. (Gore Vidal described Fitzgerald at Princeton as “barely literate.”) So he was on academic probation and the handwriting was on the wall. But he also had a health problem, which, at the time, he thought was malaria (which was, according to one biography of Fitzgerald, “more or less endemic at that time in Princeton”) but which he, a decade later, thought was tuberculosis. So he prevailed upon the dean to write a letter that his departure from Princeton was due to “ill health,” not lousy grades. In fact, he never actually graduated from Princeton and was given an honorary degree from the university a century after he left. And one account says that, Fitzgerald, depressed over his rejection by Ginerva King, enlisted in the army hoping to die in battle and achieve some posthumous fame, which puts a different spin on his hope of “becoming a hero.”

[@OneLuckyStriker]

Hey! Fantastic work you do exploring books in such depth! Your videos are incredibly insightful and have introduced me to many amazing reads. One bit of feedback, though: it would be great if you could avoid major spoilers in your reviews. While the endings and key plot points are important, perhaps you could offer a spoiler-free version for those who want to get involved in these stories from the start. It would really help viewers use your videos as a premise for their reading journey. Keep up the great work!

[@fernandonogueira2291]

Another cool one! Thanks for ur work, man!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thank you 🙏

[@ericsnyder5427]

I'm hoping you eventually get to other genres. I'd be stoked if you'd cover something like Herbert's Dune. Very cool series. Dig both your channels. Thanks for sharing your zest towards these projects. Cheers 🥂

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Great suggestion!

[@reilly17]

This, perhaps more than anything else I've read, has given me different reading experiences each time I read it.

[@charlynegezze8536]

I thoroughly enjoyed this carefully done analysis. Thank you and I look forward to more.

[@BrandonsOutdoors]

Your videos crush anything on netflix, keep it up! Please! 😅

[@SilverPennyArtisans]

One of your slides states Scott was at Nardin Academy in the Midwest. Nardin is a prestigious grade school in Buffalo NY. We are very proud that he spent sometime there

[@SkepticGamerNerd]

Excellent video as always! Speaking as a twenty-something living in the US, I think I have pretty much the same view of the "American Dream" as Fitzgerald

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks for sharing!

[@SkepticGamerNerd]

@greatbooksexplained371 absolutely! Love your channels. I'm trying not to lose hope in the American Dream, but your videos are moments of intellectual and aesthetic respite from the darkness of our world, and I hope you can continue making them for many years to come!

[@annapa8610]

Another great video. Both of your channels are outstanding. Bravo!

[@DavidFromOuterSpace]

Thank you so much for doing these!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Glad you like them!

[@PigglyWiggly-d6i]

Just discovered your channel. Excellent content and analysis. Thank you.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Much appreciated!

[@Swordflash4]

One of my favourite books to study at school! Thank you so for this video!

[@rexx9476]

Thank you for this one. It’s my favorite book of all time.

[@greatbooksexplained371]

You're very welcome!

[@Dr-EduardoGarcia]

Awesome video! Please keep them coming!

[@greatbooksexplained371]

Thanks! Will do!

[@JoannaWilkins-x6h]

So happy to see your new channel!

[@colourupyourlife3789]

excellent video please keep upn the great work

[@michaelwinningham6166]

Loved the Gershwin quotes! Fits the novel so well. Great summary!

[@crystalclear6864]

Can we have more books soon please:) enjoy the great art explained also

[@nk6432]

I would love to hear an audiobook read by the VA behind the quotes... such a lovely voice and expression